Rams way-too-early 53 man roster following the draft

A way-too-early prediction for the Rams final 53-man roster

The Los Angeles Rams signed some free agents, drafted 10 new players, and also signed some college free agents following the draft. With players coming and going over the offseason, several spots on the roster opened up. While we still have Organized Team Activities (OTAs), training camp, and the preseason, now is a good time to see how the roster could take shape. Here is a way too early version of the Rams’ 53-man roster.

Quarterback (3): Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett

I’m not sure Stetson Bennett’s roster spot is a lock. He spent all of last year away from the team after a shaky preseason following his opening performance. Bennett will have a lot to prove during training camp and the preseason. If he doesn’t perform, don’t be surprised if the Rams move on from the fourth-round pick.

Running Back (4): Kyren Williams, Ronnie Rivers, Blake Corum, Boston Scott

The player on the edge here will be Zach Evans. Would the Rams keep five running backs is the question. When Williams got hurt last season, the Rams opted to sign Darrell Henderson off the street rather than give Evans meaningful reps. That should tell you what they think of the player in addition to the signing of Scott. This seems like the four the Rams keep.

Wide Receiver (6): Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, TuTu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, Jordan Whittington

Some will try to push that the Rams will keep seven wide receivers and it’s certainly possible. However, it would take a Lance McCutcheon-like preseason from a player for that to happen. Keep an eye on Xavier Smith or Drake Stoops. With that said, this feels like the top six and three or four end up on the practice squad.

Tight End (3): Hunter Long, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen

Hunter Long’s roster spot would likely be in jeopardy if Tyler Higbee was healthy. Higbee will be coming off of a torn ACL from the NFC Wild Card game in January, leaving him out at least eight months. The Rams tight end will probably begin the season on the PUP list or injured reserve, leaving him out the first six weeks.

*Note: Tyler Higbee begins season on PUP list

Offensive Line (10): Alaric Jackson, Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein, Joe Noteboom, Warren McClendon, Beaux Limmer, Logan Bruss, KT Leveston

It’s going to be interesting to see how Logan Bruss performs in the training camp and the preseason after taking a step back in his development and spending the year on the practice squad. While Bruss may not be a starting caliber player, he may end up being a good depth piece to have on the right side. Keep an eye on AJ Arcuri here as well as he is a player that the Rams have been developing.

Linebacker (3): Ernest Jones, Christian Rozeboom, Jake Hummel

The Rams could opt to keep four linebackers with the fourth being Troy Reeder. However, they tend to stay light at linebacker and that may not change under Chris Shula. Omar Speights will be an undrafted free agent to keep an eye on here.

EDGE (5): Byron Young, Jared Verse, Michael Hoecht, Nick Hampton, Brennan Jackson

I’m interested to see what the Rams do with Hoecht and if they move him back to the defensive line. If they do opt to go that route, Ochaun Mathis would make the cut here. However, Mathis was extremely raw coming out of Nebraska and got very limited playing time last year. He may be fighting for a roster spot with Nick Hampton.

Cornerback (5): Tre White, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, Tre Tomlinson

With the versatility of some of the safeties, especially Quentin Lake, the Rams could go lighter at cornerback. Still, the player that would miss out would likely be Tomlinson. As much as some don’t want Derion Kendrick on the roster, the Rams also didn’t draft or sign anyone to be his replacement as depth. Kendrick played well in spurts last year. As a spot starter or occasional dose, Kendrick should be a good depth piece.

Safety (5): Kam Kurl, Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens, Russ Yeast, Jason Taylor II

This is another spot in which an undrafted free agent such as Kenny Logan could make an impact. Russ Yeast’s roster spot won’t be guaranteed by any means. Taylor was drafted last year, but spent the year injured. Tanner Ingle had a good preseason and spent 2023 on the practice squad. As usual, safety is going to be very competitive.

Defensive Line (6): Bobby Brown, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison, Desjuan Johnson

The depth along the defensive line is where things get interesting for the Rams. Brown, Turner, and Fiske seems like a sold three. Murchison has been on the roster for much of the last two years and while smaller, Johnson got some meaningful playing time last season. There aren’t a lot of options, but this is a spot that an undrafted free agent like Anthony Goodlow could squeeze into the equation.

Specialists (3): Joshua Karty, Ethan Evans, Alex Ward

It’s certainly possible that Karty disappoints during the preseason and forces the Rams to look elsewhere. However, this looks like a pretty solid three for the final roster.